Dr Francene Gayle Answers Common Teens Health Issues
As a parent or caregiver of an adolescent, it is important to be aware of the signs of these common health issues. If your teen is experiencing an eating disorder or substance abuse problem, they can be easily addressed by seeking treatment early on. The earlier you intervene with depression and anxiety, the more likely it will subside on its own. Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea may require medical intervention and physical self-injury can be dangerous if left untreated.
Depression And Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are not the same thing. Depression is a mood disorder that can make you feel sad, hopeless and worthless. Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry, fear and uneasiness. Both depression and anxiety can be treated with therapy or medication. Signs of depression include:
• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Having thoughts of suicide or death
• Not being able to enjoy things you used to enjoy
If your teen has signs of depression or anxiety, help them get treatment right away so they can start feeling better as soon as possible according to Dr Francene Gayle!
Substance Abuse
There are many types of substances that teens might abuse, but alcohol and tobacco are the most common. Both affect the brain and nervous system in different ways. Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel relaxed or sleepy; it also affects your ability to think clearly, walk straight and react quickly. Tobacco is a stimulant that speeds up your heart rate and makes it difficult for you to breathe normally. Both alcohol and tobacco are addictive; once you start using them regularly, it’s hard not to keep using them even when they’re causing problems for you or others around you.
Many kids try smoking cigarettes at some point during their adolescence–about half of all teenagers have done so by age 18 (American Academy of Pediatrics). This doesn’t mean they’ll become addicts later on in life–but if this happens to be true for someone close to home (like friends from school), it’s important that parents know how best approach this delicate situation without making things worse Click here Dr Francene Gayle!